The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-11


tine labor.
"The service has physicians in every
large and many Of the smallest parts of
the country-about $50 in all.
''Its regular officers, appointed after ex-
animation, about forty in number, are
ordered from place to place as circum-
stances demand. They form n we'll dis
ciplined body, accustomed TO the transac-
ton OF public business and familiar with
public health matters, and particularly
with maritime laws.
at shouldbe remembered that this serv-
ice, being under control of the Secretary
OF the Treasury, can summon mt once as
quarantine aids the collectors of customs
who have by law the power of search and
detention of vessels, and who may be re-
lied upon Tor accurate home information.
BY department usage also the Secretary OF
the Treasury is Immediately furnished
with copies of all health dispatches re-
ceived at Washington by the state depart
ment from its foreign consuls and minis
tiers, and thus reliable information from
abroad is secured.
Moreover the Secretary has a powerful
aid in the revenue cutter service, as Il
naval force to patrol the coast, and as u
maritime police to assist in quarantine.
This service is under his direct control rs
are also two other factors, viz The coast
survey and lighthouse establishments
The machinery then for national quar-
antines seems TO be already provided and
in such constant motion as to prevent its
getting rusty or being taken unawarcs by
any sudden invasion.
''liut little legislation is required. Addi-
tional appropriations for the maintenance
and equipment of the government quaran-
tine stations are necessary, and an enact
mcnt providing penalty for violation OF
the United States quarantine laws. II all
maritime quarlntines were under control
OF this bureau, the responsibility for their
effectiveness would be fixed and definite,
and their administration would be marked
by unity of purpose, which would insure
justice TO all sections"
The paper elected quite lengthy dis
cussion from number Of the members,
which is given in brief:
DIR. Holt, of New Orleans automatically
putting the whole question in the hands Of
the national government seems plausible
solution, but when il comes TO putting il
into practice he begged the association TO
goslow before recommending such course.
lie advocated national aid, but not ma
tional control. lie said that centcring q
| sovereign power in the Marine hospital
| service or q national board OF health would
be very dangerous
DIR. Bell, of Brooklyn, was opposed to
merging the Marine hospital service and
quarantine service.
DR.. Nallcgant, of Savannah, said the
Marine hospital service was not properly
equipped, and did very little good. lie
thought the national government should
make the service better.
DR. Lachapcllc Of the Quebec proyin-
cial board OF health, said that in the all
scncc Of national control laxity in the en-
forccmcnt Of quarantine laws might he
expected.
Dr. Solomon said that he believed that
a national system Of quarantine would bc
an interference with the police powers OF
| States, and unconstitutional.
DIR. llorbcck, of Charleston, did not
! think the Marine hospital service was
properly equipped. The general govern
ment should aid in quanntining by estib-
fishing stations.
Prof VIM. II. Brewer, Yale university,
New Haven, Conn, favored national aid,
but not national control
DIR. Rutherford, quarantine officer foI
the state Of Texas, was opposed Ia national
control, but was not ayerse TO COMPRESSION
al appropriation 10 support weak places.
DR.. Mccormack, Of Kentucky, moycf
that the question bc referred back Ia rrp
rcsentatiyes OF State boards OF health
| Carried. .r #..v.
The second and third topics, which M,
rs follows, "What Are the Privileges an,
Experiences Of State Officers rs 10 the In
vcstigation Of Epidemics in Other States %
Provinces Threatening Them" ant
"What. Diseases Should Ice Subject 10 In
tcrstatc Notification. and Should These b,
Uniform in McthOd?' were then read, but
the discussion on them was cut short 10y
the expiration Of the morning hour.
DR.. Thornton extended an invitation
from Capt. Tobn 20 those gentlemen whC
wish 10 visit Montgomery park 10 mcc
him at llj o'clock, aud the convention
adjourned until 7:30 o'clock.
In the afternoon quite n number ~ th,
delegates went with judge Hammond iC
visit Miss Conway's school, aud With DR.
Thornton out TO Montgomery park. III,
advisory committee held session at th,
Gayoso from 10 O'Clock for the nomina
ton Of officers for the next year and Other
important business concerning the nssocin
ton.